Last night's thunderstorms dawned into a sunny, cool and dust-free day. I rousted DH and off we went down to the village's main street for the parade. We had to park about a quarter mile away, but it was a pleasant stroll down a country lane. The main street was packed with about 2000 people! (Corrales is a town that takes it's parades seriously). Even though we got a late start we managed to find a nice shady spot under a giant cottonwood tree to watch the festivities.

At 10:00 the Police Chief drove down the road and kicked off the parade. He was followed by a drum & fife corps salute to veterans (in Civil War garb, no less), followed by a bagpipe band (you haven't lived until you've heard "Yankee Doodle" via en masse bagpipes), the 4-H club (cute chicken float), a couple of goats, the Fire Department, the Forestry Department, the Boy Scouts, the American Foreign Legion, CHAMP had a sizeable posse of every shape and size (Corrales Horse And Mule People), assorted politicians' floats, classic cars, the Model A club, LOTS of vintage tractors (it's a farming community, after all), the tiny tots judo class, non-marching bands and assorted other groups. It really was a lot of fun and homey. Not fancy, but full of hometown spirit and definitely entertaining.

Later today we're going to a neighborhood bbq and then stroll up the hill view Albuquerque valley's various firework displays.

Happy Fourth of July! America is a great place to be!

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thank you for sharing the great pics!!! Yes, America is still a great land with great small hometowns, and large ones too, filled with folks with small town hearts and values that still makes us the greatest nation on earth!!!

I called a girl that had once said she would be interested in eggs and meat birds whenever I had some extras. Her family is from Mexico, although she was born in the US. Last night, she came to collect the cockerels. She brought her father, her mother, her grandmother, her little sister, a cousin and her new husband. Seven people in a pickup with jump seats behind the front ones, not a four door! They were friendly, jovial, and obviously excited about the birds.

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When I thought I was moving to VA a while back, I posted all my cockerels on the local version of CL for free because I thought I would have to unload them faster than I would be able to butcher them. An older Mexican descent gentleman came and got all of them. I knew he was going to process them and it made me feel good to know that he appreciated fresh farm raised chicken as much as we do. Even though I was planning on feeding them to my family, it made me happy to know they were going to feed another family.

I do feel bad (most of the time) butchering the boys, but I'd rather they lead a happy (if short) life and then serve a greater purpose. And if I can, I'd rather they serve my purpose instead of another person.

It's always something around here. Just a few minutes ago BF was doing the dishes (he's so well trained) and noticed the biddies were acting really on guard. He gets the Walther and heads out onto the porch and notices a skunk in the chicken run going after the birds. Couple of shots, and he hits it, but it runs off. He goes and gets his shoes and goes out after it (despite the fact that it's a predator, it shouldn't suffer) and I went out too to help. It's pouring. He trekked through the poison ivy in shorts. The coop and run smell to nauseating levels. We didn't end up finding it, unfortunately. I have to say I'm glad it's raining and not super humid and hot because the smell would be so much worse.

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Wisher what you said earlier about this day was elegant, eloquent, and gets a resounding "HEAR HEAR" from me. Awesome heartfelt sentiments!
DH and I went on a small trip to a beautiful garden that is about an hour away. They have about 55 acres and have set up all kinds of different kinds of gardens. Beautiful spot. Cynthia, I know you have heard of Thanksgiving Point. Here are a few from our trip today.

BTW the traditional corn on the cob and stakes from the BBQ tasted wonderful today.

Happy Fourth of July everyone! Wisher what you said earlier about this day was elegant, eloquent, and gets a resounding "HEAR HEAR" from me. Awesome heartfelt sentiments!
DH and I went on a small trip to a beautiful garden that is about an hour away. They have about 55 acres and have set up all kinds of different kinds of gardens. Beautiful spot. Cynthia, I know you have heard of Thanksgiving Point. Here are a few from our trip today.

BTW the traditional corn on the cob and stakes from the BBQ tasted wonderful today.